3 plead guilty in burglary ring that hit dozens of Mass. towns
Three men pleaded guilty to their involvement in a burglary ring that specifically targeted homes of Indian and South Asian residents across 25 towns in Massachusetts. Jovan Lemon, 30, and Paul Lemon, 31, faced 32 counts of unarmed burglary, while Steven Berdugo, 29, admitted guilt to seven counts. The group committed 43 break-ins, stealing over $4 million in valuables, including jewelry and cash, with some items valued at $75,000. Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan condemned the defendants for instilling fear in targeted communities based on ethnicity. The men practiced advanced techniques to conceal their identities, employing technology such as Wi-Fi jammers during the crimes.
They were indicted by a grand jury in April 2024 after a nine-month investigation into their activities. Jovan Lemon received a sentence of 10 to 13 years, while his co-defendants received sentences of 9 to 12 years. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding targeted crimes and community safety in the region.